Across the border, our neighbours are working very hard to pass online gambling legislation in individual states. As you would expect, Nevada seems to be ahead of the game, becoming one of the first states to issue online gambling licenses. This week, the state has awarded its first online gambling license to IGT, an online gaming operator which had already established itself as a trustworthy partner at Las Vegas’ land-based casinos.
International Games Technology has received approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, giving it the right to offer online casino games when the legislation is passed. While it is not an official license, it carries the same weight and responsibility as one; so, this is a huge victory for this particular casino operator.
Another license was issued this week to Bally Technologies. The company received the same treatment as IGT; while the approval was not technically an official license, the Gaming Control Board’s word gives the company the right to offer online gambling games to residents of Nevada.
When IGT originally entered Nevada’s gaming market, the company solely existed as a slot machine operator. Over time, the company saw the value of online gaming and purchased WagerWorks at the turn of the century, giving IGT access to the online gambling market. Since then, IGT has become one of the most reputable and success online casino operators in the world, providing some of the best games like Star Trek and Dark Knight.
Now, Nevada residents will officially and legally have access to these titles, as IGT will offer them a wide range of these games in the soon-to-be regulated online gambling market within the state. It will be part of an intrastate online gambling market, so only residents of Nevada will be able to take part in these games.
The only other state which seems to be close to catch up to Nevada is Illinois. The state has recently launched online lottery sales, and has been met with a positive reception. The service has been so successful thus far, that the Governor of Illinois is eager to begin launch an intrastate online poker network and state-regulated gambling website.
